Bend of the River Blu-ray Review | Jimmy Stewart Western Gets KL Studio Classics Treatment

Many actors find themselves typecast in a genre or character type. But James Stewart in his career never found himself in that kind of a box. He was able to do drama and comedy, biographical, romance and even western.

In 1952, James Stewart was joined by other acting legends, such as  Rock Hudson, Arthur Kennedy, Julie Adams, Harry Morgan, Jay C. Flippen, Chubby Johnson, Stepin’ Fetchit, Royal Dano. Together, these performers would bring to the silver screen a western adventure that I remember from my childhood. That film was entitled Bend of the River.

Now, Kino Lorber, under the division KL Studio Classics, has taken the 4K Restoration by Universal Pictures in Collaboration with the Film Foundation and released this western classic on Blu-ray. And I could not be more excited to see this film yet again.

Synopsis: Reformed outlaw Glyn McLyntock (James Stewart, Broken Arrow) guides a band of pioneers from Missouri over the Oregon Trail to a new life in the Columbia River Basin in this Western adventure directed by the great Anthony Mann (Man of the West). When the settlers are cheated out of their supplies and Cattle, Stewart crosses river, climbs mountains and out-guns greedy hijackers to ensure their survival through the first winter. Along the way, he is double-crossed by ally Arthur Kennedy (Elmer Gantry) and asisste by the handsome San Francisco gambler Rock Hudson (The Tarnished Angels) and beautiful farmer's daughter Julia Adams (Wings of the Hawk). 

Bend of the River, I vividly remember watching this film as a kid on an afternoon after school. The film was exciting and I always wanted to see it again. But just never got around to it. So when this opportunity arose, I knew this was the perfect time. And I must say I still enjoyed it as much as I did as a kid. The screenplay has a great pacing and the acting is spot on.  

Kino Lorber has transferred Bend of the River to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The Audio track is an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This new 4K scan is from the 35mm 3-strip Original Negative. Restoration Services conducted by NBCUniversal StudioPost. What results is a simply gorgeous film. The colors are bright and vibrant and the flesh tones are correct. The picture is sharp as a tack and the audio is clear as a bell. It was a pleasure to see this film again after all these years, and looking this amazing. Kino Lorber added some cool bonus features on this disc as well.

Bonus Features:

* NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Writer Julie Kirgo and Author/Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner

* Archival Audio Commentary by Film Historian Toby Roan

* Original Theatrical Trailer

As you can see, there is not 1, but 2 audio commentaries. These commentaries take us behind the scenes and share with us the history of this classic western. Both of these are wonderful listens. 

Bend of the River is a simply spectacular western. When people list the best western they list The Searchers, High Noon, The man who shot Libierty Valance. But Bend of the River isn't on most people's list, but it really should be cause youwon't find a much more action-packed, authentic and wonderfully acted film, than Bend of the River.

If you enjoy the westerns of James Stewart as much as I do, you may just love Bend of the River. And if you are interested in see this film, there is no better way to experience it than on this new Blu-ray featuring a 4k scan. Head over to Kino Lorber or Amazon and order your copy today.  

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Bend of the River receives......